ICC still not done with Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, more action to come after Asia Cup final

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been punished by the ICC for his "abusive language and aggressive gestures" during the Super 4 clash against India in the Asia Cup 2025. Opener Sahibzada Farhan, who celebrated his half-century with a “gun-fire” gesture in the same match, received a warning from the ICC.

India and Pakistan played against each other during the group stage match for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team decided to avoid handshakes with Pakistan players before and after matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained to the ICC that match referee Andy Pycroft had mishandled the situation and requested his removal. The ICC dismissed the request, prompting Pakistan to threaten withdrawal. Notably, the referee apologized to the team for a possible “miscommunication.”

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Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Punished by ICC for Controversial Gestures

The BCCI lodged a formal complaint against Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for allegedly making provocative gestures during the match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup.

Match referee Richie Richardson conducted disciplinary hearings at the Pakistan team hotel and heard statements from Haris Rauf and Farhan, along with their team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema.

Haris Rauf was fined 30% of his match fees for violating the ICC Code of Conduct, while Farhan received a warning for his half-century celebration.

Meanwhile, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was also recommended a 30% fine for his comments. All three players had pleaded not guilty during the hearings. Both the BCCI and PCB are expected to appeal the match referee’s recommendations.

Haris Rauf, Farhan, and Suryakumar had all pleaded not guilty. However, it remains to be seen if Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan get fined even more.

ICC Unlikely to Release Any Statement Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Final

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final, Shahil Malhotra from The Times of India stated that the ICC is unlikely to release any statements or updates over the next couple of days. He added that any official communication from the global body might only be expected by Monday.

"Looks like there will be no statement/media release from the ICC for the next two days at least. We could hear something from the global body by Monday. That's how it looks like, FOR NOW :)," Malhotra wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Looks like there will be no statement/media release from the ICC for the next two days at least. We could hear something from the global body by Monday. That's how it looks like, FOR NOW :) https://t.co/yLKM18lG7a

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) September 26, 2025

India Set To Take On Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Final

India are set to take on Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 28. Notably, the two arch-rivals will meet for the first time in an Asia Cup final.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, have maintained an unbeaten record, winning all six of their matches.

They defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in the group stage while chasing a target of 128 runs. The Men in Blue also recorded a 6-wicket win in the Super Four match against their arch-rivals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan secured wins over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to reach the final. The Men in Green will look to adjust their strategy as they prepare for their third meeting with India in this edition. India have won the Asia Cup eight times, while Pakistan have won it twice.

Abhishek Sharma has been a standout performer for India, amassing 309 runs in six innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 204.64, including three half-centuries.

Also read: Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Shreyas Iyer replacing Rohit Sharma as ODI captain